1) The most important benefit of using natural and organic skin care is that you are more likely to be using products which contain ingredients which are not harmful to your skin, your internal systems and the planet!

These are just some of the common, harmful ingredients found in skin and personal care products

• DEA/TEA derivatives - associated with known carcinogens.
• EDTA - a powerful metal ion chelator that doesn’t biodegrade readily.
• Parabens - concerns have been raised over estrogen-like activity.
• Phthalates - Some phthalates are very toxic and they have been banned from EU products and other main markets. 
• Silicones - synthetically produced emollients which may block the pores
• Genetically Modified ingredients
• Synthetic fragrances - which can trigger allergies and asthma.
• BHT - A petroleum derived ingredient, which is toxic to the aquatic environment.
• Mineral oils - Derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource from a polluting industry.
• Triclosan - Research indicates this ingredient may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

It is a known fact that some ingredients in many skin and personal care products are absorbed into our blood stream via the skin.  There are many ways in which those ingredients can harm us once they are inside our internal systems.  

Natural products are unlikely to contain any of the above harmful ingredients and in addition to this organic products will not contain any pesticide residues.

2) The ingredients used in natural and organic skin and personal care products are effective and are also often beneficial in multiple ways.  For example, Lavender essential oil is helpful for acne, allergies, athlete's foot, eczema, inflmmations, psoriasis, burns, wounds, muscular aches and pains, asthma, flu, low mood, insomina, nervous tension and stress related conditions.

3) Natural and organic skin and personal care products are more likely to be biodegradable and therefore will not harm the planet. In contrast some ingredients such as plastic microbeads used in body and facial exfoliators are still polluting the oceans and affecting wildlife.

4) Organic products are produced using ingredients which are farmed in such a way as to "designed to minimise the human impact on the environment, while ensuring the agricultural system operates as naturally as possible". (EU)

5) Many producers of natural and organic products will also have strong ethical practices such as sustainability, fair trade and non animal testing.

If you are thinking of switching to natural and organic products, I would advise that you

• Make a list of products that you use e.g. skin care, body care products
• Search for companies that sell natural and organic products.
• Check the credentials of the company.  You can check if they are members of the organic Soil Association and other ethical accreditation bodies such as Fair Trade and Fair Wild, which ensure fair trading for their suppliers in developing countries. You could also check to see if they have any policy in place relating to sustainability, meaning that the ingredients they use are farmed in a way that does not mean they become depleted or endangered.  Please note, to be fair, some small scale companies may sell natural and organic products and have ethical practices but may not be members solely due to the costs of accreditation.
• You can also check the ingredients in their products and cross reference them with Safe Cosmetics website. 
• Once you have found a company or companies, try out some small sizes of their products. This way you can see if they are suited to your skin before buying full size products.

I hope this is of help to you

Until next time

Zoe 

x

We are very excited to announce that we will be offering the highly popular Dermalift Non Surgical Face Lifts here in Stockport by the end of Summer this year. Dermalift is a well known safe and painfree microcurrent facial treatment using equipment which transmits very low levels of electrical pulses and frequencies via special facial probes (as in the photo) to the skin. Dermalift is also manufactured by local company Silhouette who have a 35 track year record in the beauty industry - it feels good to support local!

Dermalift microcurrent facial is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure where the facial muscles and skin are given an electrical “workout” that stimulates muscle tone and increases the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins needed for the skin to remain youthful and glowing. The subtle electrical frequencies also cause a dramatic increase in the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the chemical fuel of human cells) by as much as 500%.*  Such increased levels of ATP speed cellular metabolism, and create a detoxifying effect that increases the rate of waste and impurity elimination.  It is also the increase in ATP levels that allows the muscles to stay in their re-educated, “lifted” positions for longer periods of time

1st Eye Treatment of a Course of 10

What can I expect during a treatment?

During a Dermalift Facial treatment, your skin will be cleansed, exfoliated and a special skin nourishing gel will be applied to your face. Following this, a series of moves are made around the muscles of your face using special probes charged with safe, pain-free electrical currents. You will also have the option to upgrade to a Dermafusion Facial, which employs the use of highly active luxurious skincare products (mask and serums) which are able to penetrate deeper into the skin in half the time of a manual facial due to the microcurrents.  For those who have under-eye dark shadows, bags, puffiness, etc we will also be offering a Specialised Eye Treatment with the option of an Eye Mask as well.

The treatment is safe for all skin types including sensitive skin, and it is so gentle that you can have the treatment done on the day of a night out or any Special Occasion you may be attending.

How Safe it it?

Dermalift Microcurrent Facial is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure with no demonstrated side effects in its long history of use.   Microcurrent does not rely upon a thermal energy source like a laser; therefore, there is no inflammation or redness, no need to heal before seeing results, and absolutely no downtime.  It stimulates the body’s mechanisms to heal itself without first causing damage to the skin.  This is very different from the lasers, peels, dermarollers and harsh microdermabrasion procedures, which stimulate the skin by first causing damage to it, a process which can be harmful and potentially dangerous for those who have sensitive skin or have other adverse reactions to the treatments.  Although it is not suitable for use in pregnant women and people with pacemakers, most people are prime candidates for experiencing the tremendous benefits associated with microcurrent treatments.

What outcomes can I expect?

The Dermalift non-surgical facial will successfully lift and tone tired and sagging muscles and reduce lines and wrinkles that form around the eyes, forehead, mouth, cheeks, neck and throat area. It will improve circulation and fight the signs of ageing, resulting in a much improved, fresher and youthful appearance

- Reduce lines and wrinkles

- Facial muscles are lifted and toned - including common areas of sagging such as jowls, brows

- Firmer facial contours

- Increased elasticity, finer pores

- Improves acne-prone skin and scarring

- Fresher complexion and skin texture

- Improved moisture retention

- Reduced puffiness and dark shadows

- Firm around the eyes

- Increased Lymphatic drainage

"Examination of skin tissue treated with microcurrent showed a 45% increase in the number of elastin fibres in the dermis, a 10% increase in the collagen thickness of connective tissue, and an increase of 35% *in the number of blood vessels present" 

How many treatments will I need?

Normally, a series of six to twelve treatments is needed for the optimum results to be achieved, followed by visits to the salon every four to six weeks, to maintain the more youthful, fresher and healthier appearance that your face has become accustomed to. To achieve a full "facelift" look, most clients need a minimum of 10 treatments. Clients with greater ageing effects such as severe neck sagging, deep creases, or distinct “crow’s feet” at the brow may need up to 15 sessions. Clients need a minimum of 2 sessions for at least their first two weeks, then one per week thereafter until treatment is complete. Those who are on a short timeline (preparing for a wedding, accepting an award, etc.) may be treated twice per week until their series is complete. After your 10 sessions, your look is maintained by receiving regular booster treatments every 4-6 weeks

Prices start from £20 for a 20-minute Trial Session, and discounts will be applied for those booking courses of 6 treatments or more.

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact Zoe on 0161 476 3301 or 07903 162 041

Until next time

Zoe x

PS Do you need help with your at home skincare routine?

Check out my Skin Care Guide - only £5 - Ebook PDF

• Identify your skin type and skincare issues
• Create a skincare routine suited to you
• Help you choose products that are suitable for your skin type and skincare issues
• Key information on common skincare issues and which products can help: acne and breakouts, dehydrated skin, dull skin, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone), mature skin concerns, rosacea and redness, sensitive skin.
• A to Z glossary of over 40 popular, effective skincare ingredients